15 of the Best Christmas Movies for Kids

Damon BeresNov 09

Brittany GibsonNov 09

We recap the classics—and offer a few recommendations you may have missed—in this family-friendly holiday list.

Olive, the Other Reindeer

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Rudolph is a bit played out, but this computer-generated animated Christmas special starring a determined pup is fresh as the season’s mistletoe. These 32 little-known facts about the holiday season will make for a great family trivia night!

Best for: Kids age 5 and up. A sassy character or two, but nothing to worry about.

Rise of the Guardians

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A rare treat, this Christmas movie is best for kids who’d rather imagine Santa battling dark forces alongside the Easter Bunny than nibbling cookies and milk. Don’t miss these best Hallmark Christmas movies.

Merry Madagascar

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Kids who loved Madagascar simply can’t resist this short TV Christmas special, which stars their favorite characters in a festive new adventure. Anyone else should enjoy the film’s positive messages and quirky humor. Want to break routine and try something different this holiday season? Try out these Christmas traditions from all over the world.

Miracle on 34th Street

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Forget the remake starring Matilda: This heartwarming (and award-winning) ’40s original is where true Christmas spirit lives—so long as you realize the movie centers squarely on Santa Claus and Macy’s.

Best for: Kids age 6 and up. Outside of blatant consumerism, there isn’t much to object to, though it’s possibly slower than today’s children may be accustomed to.

Home Alone

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The slapstick Christmas blockbuster is a ton of fun, though its premise—a youngster abandoned by his family fends off holiday burglars with increasingly violent booby traps—may not be the exact breed of yuletide merriment you had in mind. Can you pass this classic Christmas movie quotes quiz?

Best for: Kids age 7 and up. The villains are a bit menacing, and small children may worry that they, like screaming Macaulay Culkin, could one day be left behind by those who are supposed to love them most.

White Christmas

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A 1950’s classic starring Bing Crosby, this one of our top kids’ Christmas movies presents a nice opportunity for children to talk about Christmas traditions with parents or grandparents. These hilarious Christmas jokes will surely bring joy to your holiday festivities.

Best for: Kids age 8 and up. Younger tykes may find their patience is tested by this old-fashioned flick.

Little Women

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An endearing period piece with an involving story—and an inspiring act of Christmas generosity—that may resonate especially well with youngsters who recognize stars Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst, and Susan Sarandon from other films. Have you ever wondered why poinsettias are the unofficial Christmas flower?

Best for: Kids age 11 and up. A touch of romance, a frightening ice skating sequence, and one moving death make this an ideal movie for somewhat more mature viewers.

Jingle All the Way

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It’s hardly wholesome, but there’s an undeniable appeal to seeing the Terminator hoisted into the manic shopping season—anyone who’s ever scrambled through the aisles at Walmart after Thanksgiving should be able to relate.

Best for: Kids age 8 and up. Lots of action and not a ton in terms of positive messages—but it’s Ahhnold, baby!

The Polar Express

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Based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express is a practically mandatory addition to our list of best kids’ Christmas movies. Kids and adults alike will feel like they’re right alongside the main character on his journey to the North Pole.

Best for: Kids age 6 and up. Some of the movie’s scary characters might frighten young children and the main character questions the existence of Santa in the beginning, which may cause your children to question it, too. If this does end up happening, here’s how to gently break the news to your kids.

Elf

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Will Ferrell plays as Buddy the Elf in this hysterical kids’ Christmas movie. He might have been raised at the North Pole, but something about his rather large, human size tells us his parents weren’t elves after all.